The Road

Being Human #1

by Simon Guerrier

In a story set during Season Two of the hit BBC America show, the roommates find their hands full with a ghost to help and mysterious deaths to solve Annie has learned quite a bit about her new friend she’s from Bristol, she used to work in a pharmacy, and she’s never forgiven herself for the suicide of her teenage son. She also died 10 years ago and doesn’t know why she’s come back through that door. Perhaps it has something to do with the new road they’re building through the rundown part of town. The plans are sparking protests, and Annie knows those derelict houses hold a secret in Gemma’s past. Will stopping the demolition help Gemma be at peace again? Annie, George, and Mitchell get involved in the road protest, but they are more concerned by mysterious deaths at the hospital—deaths that have also attracted the attention of the new Hospital Administrator.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Werewolves, Paranormal, Horror, Ghosts, Media Tie In

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2010

About the author

Simon Guerrier is a British science fiction author and dramatist, closely associated with the fictional universe of Doctor Who and its spinoffs. Although he has written three Doctor Who novels, for the BBC Books range, his work has mostly been for Big Finish Productions' audio drama and book ranges.

Guerrier's earliest published fiction appeared in Zodiac, the first of Big Finish's Short Trips range of Doctor Who short story anthologies. To date, his work has appeared in the majority of the Short Trips collections. He has also edited three volumes in the series, The History of Christmas, Time Signature and How The Doctor Changed My Life. The second of these takes as its starting-point Guerrier's short story An Overture Too Early in The Muses. The third anthology featured stories entirely by previously unpublished writers.

After contributing two stories to the anthology Life During Wartime in Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield range of books and audio dramas, Guerrier was invited to edit the subsequent year's short story collection, A Life Worth Living, and the novella collection Parallel Lives. After contributing two audio dramas to the series, Guerrier became the producer of the Bernice Summerfield range of plays and books, a post he held between January 2006 and June 2007.

His other Doctor Who work includes the audio dramas, The Settling and The Judgement of Isskar, in Big Finish's Doctor Who audio range, three Companion Chronicles and a contribution to the UNIT spinoff series. He has also written a play in Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel range.

Guerrier's work is characterised by character-driven humour and by an interest in unifying the continuity of the various Big Finish ranges through multiple references and reappearances of characters. As editor he has been a strong promoter of the work of various script writers from the Seventh Doctor era of the Doctor Who television series

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all three of the Being Human tie-in novels over the course of five days in February, 2013. At the time, I wasn't aware that audiobooks had been produced narrated by three of the cast or else I would have probably opted for them over the Kindle editions. Having recently learnt of their existence, I decided to give them a go in the audio form.

For those that don't know, Being Human was a BBC3 television series that revolved around the premise of a vampire (Mitchell), a werewolf (George) and a ghost (Annie) share a house. The show grew darker and more grim as time went on and ultimately lost two of its three original leads to horrifically depressing endings. However, the tie-in novels are set quite early in the show's timeline and shares some of what made Being Human's first series so great.

The Road is the first of the tie-in series. Its plot focuses around a ghost, Gemma, who returns from the "other side" (the afterlife) and end up in the middle of the house shared by the trio of Annie, George and Mitchell. The trio has to figure out why she's come back and how to help her – but it doesn't help that Gemma is secretive and manipulative, her influence having a negative impact on Annie's ghostly health. Complicating matters, the hospital where George and Mitchell work at has just appointed a new administrator. Keen to find ways of saving money, the administrator is made everyone on edge and his actions have drastic effects on how George and Mitchell manage their supernatural conditions. The disused isolation ward where George transforms is off-limits and watched via CCTV and Mitchell no longer feels it safe to take blood from the hospital to ward off his blood-hunger.

Looking back at my original review, I can't say that I noticed anything unresolved this time, apart from the finale scene that leads into the next book (Chasers). It's still true that The Road lacks excitement – there's no sense that the trio are in danger at any time, even with Annie's energy being drained, but I felt it less this time.

I still enjoyed Guerrier's depiction of Mitchell and George's life at work, particularly their colleagues and their relationships with them. It was part of their lives. I also liked how Guerrier let us see more of Annie's life without the boys – for example, what she did when they were sleeping.

It's already obvious from the jump in ratings, but I found the audiobook more enjoyable than the Kindle edition. As you'd expect, this comes down to the narration. I tend to find that tie-ins (and film novelisations) never feel as genuine or "as of the world" of the media they're based off. Having the story narrated by one of the lead actors added a sense of authenticity. It made the story work all the more for me and made it more fun to experience.

Lenora Crichlow, who played Annie, provides the narration for this instalment and provides a unique voice for most of the characters (though oddly enough, I found that Crichlow sounded most like Annie when reading some of George's dialogue). Being a talented actor, she brings the original characters to life and adds depth into the (rather simple) story. Not far in, I decided I'd like to get my hands on any other audiobooks Crichlow narrated only to be disappointed - The Road was the only audiobook Crichlow's has done.

There are still some issues that even a brilliant narration cannot cure. In spite of Crichlow's efforts, there are moments where the characters don't seem to act in-character. On the other hand, there are a few moments where it feels like you could actually hear the characters speaking the dialogue they've been given, such as:

'We need to be subtle,' he [Mitchell] said.

'Subtle,' said George, 'I can do subtle.'

'George,' Mitchell told him, 'Maybe leave this to me.'

Still, these occasions are rare.

I really didn't enjoy the scene where Annie witnesses George with Gail, one of the original characters created for the books. Gail, Annie tells us, is a "pretty black girl with huge tits" who she doesn't like the look of – but we've already seen that Gail is a rather serious, no-nonsense nurse at the hospital who is already in a relationship (a same-sex one at that). So it's just confusing that Annie would take a set against Gail and it makes her seem petty.

Additionally, trying to figure out when this book is set within the timeline of the TV series is supremely difficult. "Early Series 2" seems the safest bet, but it doesn't gel with the show's timeline. At first, you might think this (and the other two tie-ins) is set between Series 1 and 2, but the books then go on to reference events in Series 2, Episode 2, and later events still. I don't blame the authors for it, but it's still an annoyance.

It feels like The Road was meant to be an Annie-centric story. It's her photo on the cover, the narration was the actor who portrayed Annie in the series, and it's Annie's new "friend" who is the catalyst for the plot. However, this isn't really the case – all three lead characters are equally important and it's Mitchell who ends up solving the mystery of why Gemma's returned to the world of the living. It didn't bother me too much, but if you are an Annie fan, it's bound to be frustrating.

Finally, the tone is a bit odd to me. It seems to be aimed at the young adult demographic, but there are lumps of more mature themes to be found. It may just be my general disinterest in the YA genre providing me with a confused understanding of what is appropriate and not in the genre, though.

So all up, the story was still flawed but ultimately more enjoyable thanks to the narration provided by Lenora Crichlow. 3 stars.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the BBC version of BEING HUMAN, so when I saw there were several media tie-in books, I just had to had to check them out. For those of you who aren't familiar with the premise of the series, it's like a supernatural Three's Company—Annie (a ghost), George (a werewolf), and Mitchell (a vampire) share a London flat and try to pass themselves off as human. For the most part, it works, but there are those who aren't happy with the lives the roommates have chosen to lead and are doing their best to break up their happy home. While the book stands on its own, it does help to have seen at least Season 1 of the series, as there are references made to events that took place on the show.

Ever since Annie refused to go through her door to the other side, she has learned there are beings on the Other Side who are not happy with her decision. She now lives in fear, never knowing when they are going to send one of their agents to try to force her through the door. She also has developed a fear of the radio and the television, as they are a means of communication from the Other Side. When a door appears in the kitchen, Annie fears the worst, never expecting a ghost to come through it. These doorways have always been portals TO the Other Side, never FROM.

Gemma claims not to know why she is back, that she was able to escape but is afraid that they will be coming for her. She admits to having visions of a noose and a road, but she doesn't know what they mean. Mitchell suspects she knows more than she's letting on, but he can't prove it. Not yet anyway. In the meantime, he notices a change in Annie. He knows she's been afraid to leave the house because she's afraid of them, but she seems to have lost her vitality since Gemma arrived. He also doesn't think it's a coincidence that the ghost of a teenager has been seen around the hospital where he works. Something is going on, but he's clueless as to what it is. He realizes the problem is more serious that anybody realizes when he enters the flat and Annie apologizes, stating that she had fallen asleep, and ghosts don't sleep. With Annie's energy fading, it's becomes a race against time. Can Mitchell, with George's help, put the pieces of the puzzle together before Annie loses what little life she has left?

While I found the story entertaining and well written, I had to put some distance between the book and the series. Simon Guerrier has crafted an interesting mystery that will keep you turning the pages, but he has failed to capture the essence of the characters: George doesn't come across as the hyper personality that he is, Mitchell isn't the brooding addict that the show captures so well, and Annie is just flat, which is a shame because, even though she started out the show as the weakest character and my least favorite, she is one of the stronger characters who has come into her own and has become my favorite.

The failure to accurately capture the show's characters doesn't detract from the story itself, provided you approach it as a stand-alone story that happens to involve supernatural characters; however, if you go into this looking for something to tide you over until Season 3 of the series begins (which thankfully is this coming Saturday, February 19th), you will be in for a big disappointment.

[Sian Wadey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being Human: The Road by Simon Guerrier

I'm a massive fan of the Being Human series, and I was a bit sceptical about the accompanying book, but my aunt, also a big fan of the series, recommended it to me. I've read other books from TV shows, such as CSI and Dr Who, but my main problem was that Being Human is a series and has an ongoing storyline every week where as the other books (from TV Shows) I've read are distinct and you can read them (or watch them) without knowing the back story. You can't with this, not that it personally mattered, but it felt like a part of the book was missing. The plot otherwise was good, intriguing and I didn't guess the ending at all and the quality of writing was good, but other points let the book down. For example, the writer didn't capture the characters very well. There were a few moments with George, where he nailed it, but I found myself shaking my head when a character did or said something more often than not. If I find another Being Human book by a different author then I'll check it out, but if not, I'll stick to the TV series.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the series, so I enjoyed this book and getting to read a bit more about the characters.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having discovered the former BBC 3 drama somewhat late in the day, I hadn't realised that three tie-in novels were also available, and that this was the first. Other posters have commented that some knowledge of the first series (not season, it's a UK show and we still, in general, use series) is useful, and I have to agree to some extent. Other posters have also complained that they thought the characterisation somewhat thin in comparison to the TV, but I feel in this case it doesn't really matter. Given that this is a plot-driven novel, the writer is, perhaps supposing that the majority of his readers will already familiar with Annie, George and Mitchell's natures so it isn't really necessary to sketch them from scratch.
Overall, this is an easy read, focussing primarily on the story of a ghost, Gemma Romain whose son is also apparently haunting the ICU at the hospital where both George and Mitchell work. Her appearance upsets the equilibrium of the trio and sets Mitchell on a quest to discover the truth behind the boy's suicide and his mother's reappearance from beyond the door that Annie dreads so much. Given that the plot concentrates on ghosts, there is little to appease the legions of vampire fans and George remains entirely human throughout but that does not detract from the enjoyable storyline at all. In fact, I've enjoyed this so much (it was a Christmas gift) I've ordered the remaining novels as well.

[BlackfishGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Being Human and I think this is why I really enjoyed this book, without a Being Human background it may be a bit confusing and probably not half as enjoyable. There are some issues, some phrases are overused to a point it gets a bit irritating, it's certainly no work of literary genius but it's enjoyable and manages to capture the Being Human feel, the characters feel like they do in the series and it's like having an extra episode!

[Penguinnrockets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly? Not that bad. Entertaining read. Nothing ground breaking but enjoyed it. It came to a satisfying conclusion at the end. I didn't anticipate the twist, but I liked that there were breadcrumbs sprinkled here and there about the "Gemma" character being off.

[Iza Brekilien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge fan of the British series, I had to read the books ! And I enjoyed finding my beloved characters again (except Herrick, but you can't have it all !)

[Rachel Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nice mystery novel with some good twists and turns in the road (pun intended)

[Morven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent narration by Lenora Crichlow of Mitchell's character.

I wish Goodreads would allow half stars. This really isn't what I consider a 4-star book, but 3 stars is too low. The reason I don't feel it's 4-star material is because I found the pace plodding in sections and found following the plot a little difficult. But maybe that's my fault: there was a big break between when I started reading it and when I finished it, so maybe I forgot some of the plot points or didn't remember foreshadowing.

If you liked the BBC show Being Human, though, please do give it a try.

[Nicholas Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2023033.html[return][return]It's tricky to write novels set during the fairly tight continuity of a TV show, though one format that works well here is the Being Human version of the Doctor Who / Torchwood monster-of-the-week, in this case a ghostly woman called Gemma, whose presence in our heroes' lives provokes them to help her find her own closure after the her son's death. The truth turns out to be pretty tough to uncover and also rather unpleasant in detail, with the ghosts of wronged Bristolians thronging the pages. Gemma is quite a good character study in character manipulation, and is indeed herself the main obstacle to reaching the answer; in the end Mitchell's key motivation for solving the mystery and getting rid of her is that she is driving Annie up the walls.[return][return]Meanwhile George is excused most of the Gemma sub-plot to get hooked up with some friendly colleagues who want him to father their child. But apparently there is more of that in the next book.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of a three part series, companions to the second series of "Being Human". ("Being Human" is my current TV obsession--delightfully dark and absurdly funny.) While all three stand alone, they also connect to a larger arc. The books also have different authors, so the reader gets a slightly different take on the characters.

"The Road" starts off badly by getting basic character details wrong--George is not the tallest; Mitchell doesn't raid the hospital blood supplies. Turns out that last error is necessary to make the plot of the last part of the trilogy work, but it's a major point of diversion from the character as seen on the show...and that's a big problem.

Things get better, with sinister doings at the hospital and a creepy old lady ghost who comes to stay. Our intrepid three work together to get to the bottom of things. There's some nice interaction and community building with hospital staff that sets up the second novel.

[Mark Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one for the fans of the series I think! - It is a bit difficult to place within the events of the series - but I should guess at some point early on in Season 2 of the British version of the series.

The three protagonists are captured perfectly for me here - Annie in particular being very well observed. However , on occasions, the plotline did become obscure and dragged a little - perhaps it was a little thin , in places for the length of a novel to sustain. The mystery being a little easy to solve. However , when the final pieces fall into place , the events and explanations that result make for a brilliant and exciting ending! - though a little uneven as a result

I still enjoyed the book - but you can only read this , being aware of the series behind it , It cannot be read as a standalone piece

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably my least favourite of the Being Human tie-in novels. It really lacked the danger and suspense that the other two novels had – I never really felt as though the threat to the trio was real enough. I felt a number of plot points were left unresolved (which I could put down to The Road being the first in a trilogy, except I've read the other books and they're still unresolved). The characters didn't really come alive for me either, but I did enjoy getting a glimpse of George and Mitchell's lives at work. I really want to describe it as a bit 'weird', but can't quite put my finger on what makes it weird.

Still, I'm a bit sad that there are no more Being Human novels to distract me from the Mitchell Greek tragedy that is Series 3.

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Being Human TV show on BBCAmerica, so I wasn't surprised when I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read. Takes place right after the end of the first season and reads like a mystery. Mitchell becomes quite the investigator when a ghost named Gemma shows up at their place. She walks through a door that Annie thinks is meant for her. Things about Gemma don't quite add up, so Mitchell & George are looking for info while dealing with their own dilemmas at work. Great read if you like the show. I have the 2nd & 3rd in this series nearing the top of The Pile!

[H Lynnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick review: If you enjoy the BBC show Being Human, this is on par with most of the episodes. This takes place after the end of Season 1 of the television show, and does assume familiarity with the characters and setting.

I must admit, I did get occasionally frustrated with Annie (but I get frustrated with her on the show as well, so this is unsurprising), because she seemed to miss things that I felt were obvious clues surrounding the plot.

The book does have humourous moments, generally around George and the fact that most people assume that he's in a relationship with Mitchell.

[April Cole Ledebur · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a fan of the series I was really hoping the book would be as good. But it drags on in parts and with Annie being on the cover and it is a story about ghost you would think she would step it up and be important. Instead she is sidelined and the book focuses more on Mitchell. The ending did take on a dark tone which follows the darker tone of season two of the show. But over all not that interesting of a story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read my share of mediocre media tie-in paperbacks, but this book was far from the norm, and I was pleasantly surprised. It felt like I'd discovered a long-lost episode of Being Human (which I'm in withdrawal from, particularly missing Mitchell and George!). It was witty and fun, and I can't wait to read the next book, Chasers, which continues a plot line started in this novel.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the TV show which I found on Hulu only this year. I missed the characters so much when I found the three novels on Amazon. I've just finished reading The Road and was very happy to have the opportunity to spend time with Annie, George and Mitchell again! I'll be reading the remaining books as soon as they arrive.

[Jimmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 STARS It Was Okay/So-So/I Liked It

*(Time-placing: George has broken up with Nina, but not yet met Sam; he is also still working at the hospital, therefore placing this story between episode 2.3 and 2.4)

[Nickie]

I can't seem to read anything more complex than the Metro (on way to work) and Evening STandard (on way home), so am reading this. It's not very good...

[Trev · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty plodding in places - only for committed fans of the show

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great :D

[Deanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read based on the TV series, and very true to the feel of the characters. Very funny in places especially George.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but love the characters from the T.V series.

[Viktoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was written as if it was an episode. I could see it all played out in my head. I love the subplot with Mitchell and George.

[Laura Gomes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story was like watching the ghost whisperer without a story? Make sense? No well that's because it didn't stupid!

[Kain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well despite not being sure where in the time line this book relates to the series it was a decent yet quick read. The humor still ever present and plenty of of surprises.

[The other Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was kind of thin, but the characters were surprisingly in character for a tie-in novel.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly well executed tie in novel.
Definitely recommend it for the fans of the show.